News Archives
Democratic Labour Party - 55th Annual Conference - Monday, August 23, 2010
The 55th Annual Conference held at Party headquarters at George Street, Belleville, St. Michael concluded yesterday with Prime Minister David Thompson being returned as president of the Party.
Elected Vice Presidents are: Acting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, John Boyce, Ronald Jones and Christopher Sinckler. The parliamentary representatives for St. Michael South, Christ Church South, Christ Church East Central and St. Michael North West respectively, Stuart, Boyce, Jones and Sinckler also hold the cabinet positions of Minister of Home Affairs/Attorney General, Minister of Transport and Works, Minister of Education and Minister of Social Care/Constituency Empowerment/Urban & Rural Development respectively.
George Pilgrim was elected General Secretary, returning to the position he held in 2006-2007. Representative for St. James South and Minister of Health Donville Inniss is now the Assistant General Secretary and Economist Tennyson Beckles, Treasurer.
St. James North won the Branch of the year award for their significant growth in membership and sustained programs. David Springer was recognized as Member of the Year for his contributions to the Party in the area of technology.
Organized and chaired by Vice President John Boyce, the three day conference was attended by over 700 party members. Several resolutions were passed urging the Government to take action on issues relating to foreign affairs, tourism and agriculture.
Elected Vice Presidents are: Acting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, John Boyce, Ronald Jones and Christopher Sinckler. The parliamentary representatives for St. Michael South, Christ Church South, Christ Church East Central and St. Michael North West respectively, Stuart, Boyce, Jones and Sinckler also hold the cabinet positions of Minister of Home Affairs/Attorney General, Minister of Transport and Works, Minister of Education and Minister of Social Care/Constituency Empowerment/Urban & Rural Development respectively.
George Pilgrim was elected General Secretary, returning to the position he held in 2006-2007. Representative for St. James South and Minister of Health Donville Inniss is now the Assistant General Secretary and Economist Tennyson Beckles, Treasurer.
St. James North won the Branch of the year award for their significant growth in membership and sustained programs. David Springer was recognized as Member of the Year for his contributions to the Party in the area of technology.
Organized and chaired by Vice President John Boyce, the three day conference was attended by over 700 party members. Several resolutions were passed urging the Government to take action on issues relating to foreign affairs, tourism and agriculture.
Strengthening the Bonds that Bind Us - A Report from the Diaspora Conference
By Alex Waithe - Monday, August 23, 2010
Conceptualized by Prime Minister David Thompson and implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Inaugural Diaspora Conference was held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on August 6th and 7th. Over three hundred persons attended sessions titled Tourism Development and the Role of Overseas Barbadians; Philanthropy: Expanding the Horizons for Overseas Barbadians and Friends of Barbados; Investment Opportunities in Barbados: Capital and Skills of Overseas Barbadians; The Arts and Culture: Strengthening the Development of Barbados through the Cultural Industries, and Returning to the Rock.
During the Opening Ceremony the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean welcomed participants to “reconnect with the essence of what makes Barbados such a special place and defining what we can do together, as patriotic Barbadians who truly love our country, to keep it strong and growing.” Noting that only illness would have kept the Prime Minister from this conference, she pointed out that the PM realized that “while not every overseas Barbadian intended to return they were all anxious to find avenues to contribute to our national development”, and he recognized that we needed to create a comprehensive structure to embrace the Barbadian Diaspora as an integral part of the economic, social and cultural development of Barbados.”
Also at this opening session, the Acting Prime Minister Mr. Freundel Stuart in the feature address stated that, “we value the enormous contribution which generations of Barbadian migrants have made to the development and progress of their homeland. We believe that the contribution they have already made is deserving of much greater recognition than it has been accorded in the past.” He thought that with the right structures that will be put in place by government the “Creativity, entrepreneurship, and goodwill of the Diaspora can be harnessed more effectively and in ways which are sustainable and mutually beneficial.”
The audience heartily applauded as Minister Stuart announced major changes that will be effective this September 1st to what is known as the Returning Nationals Policy but will be called the Barbados Network Programme. Some of these changes are:
1) The minimum age will be removed and Barbadians under the age of 50 and returning home will now qualify for the duty free concession.
2) A Barbadian national who is a citizen by birth, descent, registration or naturalization will qualify for the programme once he was continuously resident
abroad for ten years immediately prior to resettlement.
3) The requirement that a Barbadian by descent or marriage must have resided at least 183 days in Barbados prior to emigrating in order to be eligible for the
programme will also be removed.
4) The qualifying period for annual Barbados Network Renewal Status under the programme will however be increased from 3 to 5 years, to help reduce the
incidence of abuse especially in respect of the motor vehicle concessions.
Furthermore, the acting Prime Minister emphasized that there will be legislative changes relating to payment of import duties and taxes to expedite the processing time for the granting of the concessions, which has been a major irritant to those returning to the rock.
During the conference delegates and panelists shared their knowledge and expertise with key players from various government departments with strong emphasis on Invest Barbados, Barbados Tourism Authority, Ministry of Culture, legal and administrative issues, and reintegration challenges.
There were lively discussions as delegates told their stories, criticized procedures and services, and recommended solutions to recurring problems with various agencies while they listened to presentations that gave them a better insight as to what government departments are doing and intend to improve! It was clear that over the two days delegates were appreciative of the steps taken by government to have improved communication and transparency as a result of this intended biennial conference.
(This article was also published in Share News issue of August 19th)
During the Opening Ceremony the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean welcomed participants to “reconnect with the essence of what makes Barbados such a special place and defining what we can do together, as patriotic Barbadians who truly love our country, to keep it strong and growing.” Noting that only illness would have kept the Prime Minister from this conference, she pointed out that the PM realized that “while not every overseas Barbadian intended to return they were all anxious to find avenues to contribute to our national development”, and he recognized that we needed to create a comprehensive structure to embrace the Barbadian Diaspora as an integral part of the economic, social and cultural development of Barbados.”
Also at this opening session, the Acting Prime Minister Mr. Freundel Stuart in the feature address stated that, “we value the enormous contribution which generations of Barbadian migrants have made to the development and progress of their homeland. We believe that the contribution they have already made is deserving of much greater recognition than it has been accorded in the past.” He thought that with the right structures that will be put in place by government the “Creativity, entrepreneurship, and goodwill of the Diaspora can be harnessed more effectively and in ways which are sustainable and mutually beneficial.”
The audience heartily applauded as Minister Stuart announced major changes that will be effective this September 1st to what is known as the Returning Nationals Policy but will be called the Barbados Network Programme. Some of these changes are:
1) The minimum age will be removed and Barbadians under the age of 50 and returning home will now qualify for the duty free concession.
2) A Barbadian national who is a citizen by birth, descent, registration or naturalization will qualify for the programme once he was continuously resident
abroad for ten years immediately prior to resettlement.
3) The requirement that a Barbadian by descent or marriage must have resided at least 183 days in Barbados prior to emigrating in order to be eligible for the
programme will also be removed.
4) The qualifying period for annual Barbados Network Renewal Status under the programme will however be increased from 3 to 5 years, to help reduce the
incidence of abuse especially in respect of the motor vehicle concessions.
Furthermore, the acting Prime Minister emphasized that there will be legislative changes relating to payment of import duties and taxes to expedite the processing time for the granting of the concessions, which has been a major irritant to those returning to the rock.
During the conference delegates and panelists shared their knowledge and expertise with key players from various government departments with strong emphasis on Invest Barbados, Barbados Tourism Authority, Ministry of Culture, legal and administrative issues, and reintegration challenges.
There were lively discussions as delegates told their stories, criticized procedures and services, and recommended solutions to recurring problems with various agencies while they listened to presentations that gave them a better insight as to what government departments are doing and intend to improve! It was clear that over the two days delegates were appreciative of the steps taken by government to have improved communication and transparency as a result of this intended biennial conference.
(This article was also published in Share News issue of August 19th)
Power Returned to 'The People'
The DLP's 2008 manifesto made the following promises on good governance:
"The DLP envisages a Barbados in which the word democracy is given a life beyond the partisan eloctoral structures. It sees a Barbados where people
can take a larger responsibility for the management of their own communities and can be empowered with the requisite resources from central
government to produce real solutions to real problems."
"The DLP administration's attitude to accountability will be based on the understanding that as servants and representatives of the people there can be
no secrets or matters to be hidden from the population. Consequently a DLP administration will be accountable for its actions and policies and take the
public into its confidence."
"Under a DLP government, the people will be kept informed of what the government is doing on their behalf ....."
The Party promised to establish state-funded Constituency Councils accountable to the constituents and the country, to execute community enhancement and development projects. This promise is not pork barrel politics. It is about giving voice to and empowering Barbadians at the local level and facilitating their participation in the resolution of local issues. We are pleased to see that the promise has been kept, the constituency councils have been established and from all accounts are working well.
But the Constituency Council is only one of the measures of good governance promised by the Party in its 2008 manifesto. The other, and perhaps the most important, is that of demonstrating the Government's accountablility to 'the people'. The Party promised to do so in a number of ways, including "A policy of formal reporting by parliamentarians to constituents on stewardship and issues affecting the constituents."; a process that accommodates Barbadians
being taken into the Government's confidence and the Government being held accountable for its actions and policies by the electorate. This policy does
not diminish, but rather, enhances the people's parliament where all too often partisanship, political posturing, colourful rhetoric and at times juvenile gamesmanship override the interests of the population.
This month DLP parliamentarians are reporting to their constituents in 'standing room only' town hall meetings across Barbados. Power has been returned to the people and it is hoped that all Barbadians will be fully engaged in this important exercise that strengthens their democratic franchise. And we also hope that politicians of all stripes will appreciate that accountability to the people they serve is the hallmark of good governance.
Finally, the DLP's 2008 manifesto mentioned the Party's concern about the increasing alienation of people, particularly young people, from the political process and the perception by many Barbadians that voting is a waste of time since many parliamentarians did not keep promises made during election campaigns. Prime Minister Thompson and his DLP administration are keeping these important promises on good governance and we hope that this will help to restore confidence in the political process and re-engage Barbadians who have may have unwittingly failed to recognize the power of their ballot.
DLP Barbados (Canada) congratulates Prime Minister Thompson on a job well done!
To view videos of the Town Hall meetings, visit www.dlpbarbados.org.
"The DLP envisages a Barbados in which the word democracy is given a life beyond the partisan eloctoral structures. It sees a Barbados where people
can take a larger responsibility for the management of their own communities and can be empowered with the requisite resources from central
government to produce real solutions to real problems."
"The DLP administration's attitude to accountability will be based on the understanding that as servants and representatives of the people there can be
no secrets or matters to be hidden from the population. Consequently a DLP administration will be accountable for its actions and policies and take the
public into its confidence."
"Under a DLP government, the people will be kept informed of what the government is doing on their behalf ....."
The Party promised to establish state-funded Constituency Councils accountable to the constituents and the country, to execute community enhancement and development projects. This promise is not pork barrel politics. It is about giving voice to and empowering Barbadians at the local level and facilitating their participation in the resolution of local issues. We are pleased to see that the promise has been kept, the constituency councils have been established and from all accounts are working well.
But the Constituency Council is only one of the measures of good governance promised by the Party in its 2008 manifesto. The other, and perhaps the most important, is that of demonstrating the Government's accountablility to 'the people'. The Party promised to do so in a number of ways, including "A policy of formal reporting by parliamentarians to constituents on stewardship and issues affecting the constituents."; a process that accommodates Barbadians
being taken into the Government's confidence and the Government being held accountable for its actions and policies by the electorate. This policy does
not diminish, but rather, enhances the people's parliament where all too often partisanship, political posturing, colourful rhetoric and at times juvenile gamesmanship override the interests of the population.
This month DLP parliamentarians are reporting to their constituents in 'standing room only' town hall meetings across Barbados. Power has been returned to the people and it is hoped that all Barbadians will be fully engaged in this important exercise that strengthens their democratic franchise. And we also hope that politicians of all stripes will appreciate that accountability to the people they serve is the hallmark of good governance.
Finally, the DLP's 2008 manifesto mentioned the Party's concern about the increasing alienation of people, particularly young people, from the political process and the perception by many Barbadians that voting is a waste of time since many parliamentarians did not keep promises made during election campaigns. Prime Minister Thompson and his DLP administration are keeping these important promises on good governance and we hope that this will help to restore confidence in the political process and re-engage Barbadians who have may have unwittingly failed to recognize the power of their ballot.
DLP Barbados (Canada) congratulates Prime Minister Thompson on a job well done!
To view videos of the Town Hall meetings, visit www.dlpbarbados.org.
Immigration Policy Review
Although a country with a land area of just 166 sq. miles, that could comfortably be located in Guyana's Essequibo river, and a country with virtually no natural resources, Barbados enjoys an enviable standard of living and is a highly desired destination for intra-regional immigration. This, together with the introduction of of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) poses considerable challenges for Barbadians and is often the subject of debate on Barbados' popular radio talk programs.
Recognizing the concerns of Barbadians, the Party stated in its 2008 manifesto: "The new DLP Government will work towards the realization of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. However, it will embark on a major public education programme to sensitise the masses of Barbadians to the challenges and opportunities that the free movement of labour, goods and services bring."
It is within the context of CSME and the need to address the correlating issues of border control, national security, public health, public policy and the thorny issue of labour migration, that the government is completing a comprehensive review of Barbados' immigration policy and proposals for legislative reform.
Public input is important to this process and we urge Barbadians and 'friends of Barbados' to review the documents attached, visit www.dlpbarbados.org and join the deliberations by posting your comments in the blog.
Recognizing the concerns of Barbadians, the Party stated in its 2008 manifesto: "The new DLP Government will work towards the realization of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. However, it will embark on a major public education programme to sensitise the masses of Barbadians to the challenges and opportunities that the free movement of labour, goods and services bring."
It is within the context of CSME and the need to address the correlating issues of border control, national security, public health, public policy and the thorny issue of labour migration, that the government is completing a comprehensive review of Barbados' immigration policy and proposals for legislative reform.
Public input is important to this process and we urge Barbadians and 'friends of Barbados' to review the documents attached, visit www.dlpbarbados.org and join the deliberations by posting your comments in the blog.
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Recognizing the Contributions of Barbadians in Canada
There are many Barbadians who have made Canada their home and have gone on to make their mark in Canada with distinction, in Academia, the Arts, Business, Medicine and other careers. From time to time some have been recognized in various publications and a project to produce a book that recognizes such persons is now underway under the auspices of the Office of the Barbados High Commission in Ottawa and the National Council of Barbadian Associations in Canada (NCBAC).
This book is being produced by a group of Barbadians led by Dr. Keith Sandiford, Professor Emeritus, University of Manitoba and includes Barbados’ High Commissioner to Canada His Excellency E. Evelyn Greaves, Greg Edwards, John Harewood, Marilyn Moseley, Morris Redman, Joan Rowe and Murcotte Wiltshire. The book will be released in the fall.
For more information contact Joan Rowe at: joan_anita_rowe@hotmail.com.
This book is being produced by a group of Barbadians led by Dr. Keith Sandiford, Professor Emeritus, University of Manitoba and includes Barbados’ High Commissioner to Canada His Excellency E. Evelyn Greaves, Greg Edwards, John Harewood, Marilyn Moseley, Morris Redman, Joan Rowe and Murcotte Wiltshire. The book will be released in the fall.
For more information contact Joan Rowe at: joan_anita_rowe@hotmail.com.
Barbados Family & Friends Club
In his message in the Barbados Family & Friends brochure, Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy says: "We Barbadians are very proud of our island, which we consider unlike any other. It is therefore surprising that this national pride has not already led to more business for the home country." "This will now change. The very development of Barbados Family & Friends Club is a testimony to our belief that Barbadians living abroad remain invaluable to our country. We remain committed to ensuring that you are supremely equipped to "sell" the island."
Barbados Family & Friends Club is an exciting program that encourages Barbadians and 'friends of Barbados' wherever they are in the world to "sell" Barbados as the preferred vacation destination. The program will compensate Club members for their efforts by providing reward points that can be redeemed for accommodation discounts and other benefits.
For information on the Club visit: www.barbadosfamilyandfriends.com.
Barbados Family & Friends Club is an exciting program that encourages Barbadians and 'friends of Barbados' wherever they are in the world to "sell" Barbados as the preferred vacation destination. The program will compensate Club members for their efforts by providing reward points that can be redeemed for accommodation discounts and other benefits.
For information on the Club visit: www.barbadosfamilyandfriends.com.
Errol Barrow Memorial Trust Reactivated
The Errol Barrow Memorial Trust of Canada was registered as a charitable organization on January 20, 1989; the founding Trustees being Senator Anne Cools, Donald Grant, Berkeley Harris, Peter Morgan, Thomas Van Dusen and Paul Van Vlack.
Domiciled in Ottawa, the Trust was established to accommodate the advancement of education and especially the education of persons who reside in or are citizens of the 'Caribbean Commonwealth'. The Trust is structured to do so through the provision of scholarships, bursaries research grants within Canada or the Caribbean Commonwealth; or the provision of facilities for educational study and research within the Caribbean Commonwealth or elsewhere in connection with the Caribbean Commonwealth. The awarding of fellowships, research grants, scholarships, or bursaries, or the provision of financial assistance is based on:
- Financial need;
- Scholastic achievement;
- Academic excellence;
- Good moral character;
- Honourable service; or
- Other accomplishment or skill of benefit to the community.
Little has been know of the Trust as it has been inactive for several years; however, it is now being recativated under the guidance of His Excellency E. Evelyn Greaves, Barbados' High Commissioner to Canada.
The Trust is registered charity # 891579948RR0001 and is authorized to issue tax receipts for donations received.
For more information on the Trust phone (613) 235-2212 or fax (613) 230-4362.
Domiciled in Ottawa, the Trust was established to accommodate the advancement of education and especially the education of persons who reside in or are citizens of the 'Caribbean Commonwealth'. The Trust is structured to do so through the provision of scholarships, bursaries research grants within Canada or the Caribbean Commonwealth; or the provision of facilities for educational study and research within the Caribbean Commonwealth or elsewhere in connection with the Caribbean Commonwealth. The awarding of fellowships, research grants, scholarships, or bursaries, or the provision of financial assistance is based on:
- Financial need;
- Scholastic achievement;
- Academic excellence;
- Good moral character;
- Honourable service; or
- Other accomplishment or skill of benefit to the community.
Little has been know of the Trust as it has been inactive for several years; however, it is now being recativated under the guidance of His Excellency E. Evelyn Greaves, Barbados' High Commissioner to Canada.
The Trust is registered charity # 891579948RR0001 and is authorized to issue tax receipts for donations received.
For more information on the Trust phone (613) 235-2212 or fax (613) 230-4362.
Register with the Barbados Consulate General at Toronto
The Barbados Consulate General at Toronto would like to hear from you if you are a a Barbadian national living in Canada. By registering with the Consulate you will facilitate being placed on it's mailing list.
To register, download the form below and fax it to the Consulate at (416) 214-9815 or mail to The Consulate General of Barbados, 105 Adelaide Street West, Suite 1010, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1P9. All information will be confidential.
To register, download the form below and fax it to the Consulate at (416) 214-9815 or mail to The Consulate General of Barbados, 105 Adelaide Street West, Suite 1010, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1P9. All information will be confidential.
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